Due to a combination of heavy rainfall over the past few days and the onrush of water from upstream, the water level of the Teesta River crossed the danger level in Nilphamari district on Saturday morning.
This has led to the inundation of low-lying areas in Dimla and Jaldhaka upazilas, with water seeping into many homes.
The river flowed 13cm above the danger point at around 6am. However, by 9am, the water receded somewhat, standing just five centimetres over the threshold.
By noon, the water was just touching the danger level (52.15cm), and by 3pm, the water flow was reported to be four centimetres below the danger mark, confirmed Dalia Water Development Board water surveyor Nurul Islam.
Locals have reported that due to the increased flow of water, many houses in the riverside chars of Nilphamari and Lalmonirhat have been flooded.
Additionally, fears of crop damage are mounting among farmers as fields have been submerged.
Mofizul Islam, a villager, said the fluctuating water levels of the river left the char inhabitants in a state of worry.
“Our homes have been flooded and we are in a state of panic,” said Rahidul Islam, another villager.
Dimla Upazila Nirbahi Officer Belayet Hossain said: “According to the information from the Water Development Board, we had a warning of the water level crossing the danger level due to upstream onrush 24 hours in advance. Therefore, we alerted locals through representatives and village police."
Md Asafuddowla, executive engineer of Dalia Water Development Board, said the water of the river suddenly flowed 13 centimetres above the danger level around 6am on Saturday.
“To control the water, 44 sluice gates of the barrage were opened. Then, the water level went down four centimetres below the danger level. The Water Development Board is always ready to deal with floods,” he added.
